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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Here is a familiar view to many of us who traveled the Calhoun Street of old. I have scanned this in very high dots per inch to let you see the incredible details in the photo. I tried to enhance that black sign in the photo, but it was apparently painted over with a white coating and still shows the original Coca Cola ad.

Even though I wish that trolley had passed out of the viewfinder on this Maxwell photo, it provides a nice in-motion photo of what a trolley looked like back in the roaring twenties. The young lad in knickers scampering along E. State Street adds a bit of 1920's nostalgia.

TODAY (OCTOBER 31) IS MY FIRST DAY BACK AT THE LOCAL HISTORY WORKSHOP IN THE HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY. IT WAS A VERY STRESSFUL TIME FOR MANY LOCALS, MYSELF INCLUDED AS WE ALL WAITED TO SEE WHAT HAVOC HURRICANE SANDY WOULD BRING TO THE MERCER COUNTY AREA. THE SERIES OF PHOTOS BELOW SHOW THE RESULTS OF SANDY'S VISIT TO THE KUSER FARM. THESE ARE ONLY TWO OF THE MANY TREES THAT WERE LOST OVER IN THE WOODED AREA BORDERING NEWKIRK AVENUE. THE LAST TIME I WAS INVOLVED WITH A HURRICANE AT KUSER FARM WAS BACK IN NOVEMBER, 1950 WHEN A DEVASTATING HURRICANE KNOCKED DOWN COUNTLESS TREES AT THE FARM. BACK THEN, WE USED A TWO MAN CROSSCUT SAW, A SLEDGE HAMMER, AND A STEEL WEDGE TO CLEAN UP MANY, BUT NOT ALL OF THE DOWNED TREES.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Of course, this graphic would make you wonder if there is a relationship with today's locally noted bicycle shop on Route 33 in Mercerville. Perhaps someone who knows Bernie's family can tell us about this interesting establishment.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

It took a little longer than I expected to come up with this location due to the fact that it has changes so very much. It gives a good idea of just how rural we were back in the late 40's and early 1950's. I blew up the original and lo and behold, I was right! The enlarged cut and paste of the road sign lower left removes all doubt that my guess was accurate. Am I correct in remembering that the big green and white mansion (not seen in the photo on the other side of the house on North Olden Avenue was the Glenside, or am I fabricating history?

It took me a little while to locate this location which R.C. Maxwell labeled as "UNTITLED." Those High tension wires, the dual lane highway, and the partially seen but very familiar vanilla frozen custard roof on the earliest known area frozen custard establishment verified that we are on South Broad Street just across the highway from today's Independence Mall shopping center.Can anyone identify that white building in the foreground? Can anyone associate that "GOLF" sign with Vic Rice's? Comments, please.

THANKS FOR CORRECTING ME AND MY SENILE MOMENT, MIKE. OF CURSE IT WAS GRAVATTS! SORRY FOR THE GOOF.

One would have a very hard time trying to find the actual location of the fabled Langhorne Speedway as it was back some 60 plus years ago. The area is completely built up, and if perchance a visitor to this website can place the race track in relation to the terrain today, we would be eternally grateful. I seem to remember that it wasn't too far from the new Levittown that sprung up during that era.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Comments such as this from a visitor whom I will only identify as "Grace" are what makes the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection a pleasure. While Grace's guest book entry below was sent to me, it is important to remember that the support of Mr. George Conwell, our former Director, and our current Director Ms. Susan Sternberg, without whom there would be no local history website.

I LOVE YOUR HISTORY PAGES! WISH THERE WAS SOMEONE LIKE YOU IN VERY NOOK AND
CRANNY OF THE U.S. I HATE TO THINK OF THE TIME TO COME WHEN THESE HISTORIES AND
MEMORIES ARE LOST FOREVER.NO, I'M NOT FROM THE HAMILTON AREA, I GREW UP IN
MORRISTOWN IN MORRIS CO., NJ IN THE 40s AND 50s AND REVEL IN EVERY SPECK OF
HISTORY I CAN GLEAN OF WHAT I CONSIDER MY HOME STATE.I WAS LED YOUR WAY BY A
POST CARD OF THE 1907(?)HAMILTON SQUARE SCHOOL ON EBAY. GRAND PIC!I HAVE
LIVED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR 50 YEARS.THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO
MAINTAIN YOUR FASCINATING WEB PAGES.

It has been a very long time since these two guys were the young and vibrant lads shown in the above graphic. My high school singing buddy, Airman 1st Class Lee Belardino is shown in the photo on the left and Private Tom Glover on the right, both new recruits as we filled our obligation to serve time in the U.S. military. On a personal basis, I think we would have far less juvenile crime, gangs and social unrest if America would return to the years when each young man was obligated to give a minimum of 2 years to his country. My guess would be that many young men who are now gang members would see there is another path to life's journey with a term of military service under his belt.

Hi Tom, Another great view of downtown Trenton. Two cars caught my eye, an upscale 1941 Packard, parked to the right, behind the 1934 Pontiac, and the very plush 1941 Oldsmobile 98 sedan waiting for the light to change, all shiny and sporting whitewall tires, a rare sight, in the 1940s. The 1941 Plymouth cab, is a Bell Cab. I wonder where their home base was located. Capitol Cab's stand was at Front and Broad, Terminal Cab was at State and Broad. There was a cab company at the bus terminal on Perry St, the name of which escapes me at the moment. but I don't remember Bell Cab, or their location. Anybody remember? I believe there was a cab stand in front of the Hotel Hanover (do I have the name of the hotel correct?), just out of the photo to the left. I just figured out the answer to my own question. I found another photo of this same intersection, and the Plymouth cab is parked in front of the hotel at the cab stand. Trouble is, the hotel is not in the photo. Does any of this make sense? rayfromvillapark

HI TOM....DURING THE EARLY 30'S MY COUSIN LOU MILLACCI WAS MANAGER OF THE WESTERN UNION OFFICE AND ON OCCASSIONS TOOK ME TO PALMER STADIUM'S PRESSBOX WITH HIM TO WATCH HIM RELAY EVENTS BACK TO THE NEW YORK PAPERS. I RECALL BEING WITH ALL THE SPORTSWRITERS REPORTING THE TRACK RACES AND REMEMBER THE DAY BILL BONTRON BROKE THE 1 MILE TRACK RECORD OF 4 MINUTES AND SOME SECONDS. MY COUSIN WAS ONE OF THE FEW WHO MASTEREDD THE MORSE CODE AND WAS WELL ACQUINTED WITH ALL THE WRITERS. THOSE MEMORIES ARE AMONG MANY THAT OCCURED IN THE 30'S. BEST REGARDS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK.

Here's an intersection that looks far different from the Google Earth view of the intersection. Perhaps a visitor from Lawrenceville can add descriptive info as to the building shown on the right side of the road.

This very interesting view of North Broad Street looking to State Street is a fascinating look at the city as it looked during the World War I era. Riker's Drug Store was situated in the old city hall building, a partial view of which can be seen in the photo.

This segmented photo shows the City Hall Restaurant and Clift's Restaurant (Far right). Unfortunately the trolley car blurs some of the buildings as seen in the 300 block of East State Street some 90 years ago.

Monday, October 22, 2012

I have been working on the growing "ST. ANTHONY" folder
in the Hamilton Library database. I will be compiling the files for a
future presentation. My St. Anthony memories go back to the late 1950's
when I converted to the faith.The move from the Anglican St. James P.E.
Church to the Roman Catholic faith was really a lateral move; both
religious persuasions have much in common. The memory of my years at that great old church on South Olden Avenue could
easily fill a lengthy book. From my years as a lector, president of the
holy name society, the PTA, and general all around volunteer bring back
some bittersweet memories.

Without Nancy and Barby who posed with me during one of my Kuser Park Gazebo programs during this past summer, there would be no Tom Glover musical events in the community. Unfortunately, our age group is experiencing a dramatic shift insofar as attendance at these affairs are concerned. At one time, Sunday afternoon activities were avidly attended, but that was when we were young and mobile. The music I bring and will continue to bring to the public is not the loud and raucous sound of rock and roll that is targeted at the younger generation. Rather, it is the music older and mature folks prefer with soul stirring and redeeming lyrics; seldom heard in today's youth-oriented society.

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI TOM.....TODAY'S YOUTH MUST BE CRACK POTS TO CALL THEIR MUSIC
ENTERTAINING. IT'S VULGER, TOO LOUD AND DOES'NT SOUND NO WHERE LIKE THE
SINGING OUR GENERATION CREATED. OUR SONG WRITERS ALONG WITH
OUTSTANDING MUSICANS ENTERTAINED US FOR YEARS BY THEIR TALENTS AND
STYLE. KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK OF PROVIDING MUSIC IN THE GLOVER MANNER.
BEST REGARDS.

Here is a press release I received from Ms. Bob Walter announcing a very special Mass to be held by the Cathedral High School alumni. If you have a friend or relative who is not on the computer, please call them and advise them of this very important event.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Were I a billionaire, I would like to form the "VINTAGE MOTOR COMPANY." I would have the money to re-tool existing antique auto body parts and using contemporary materials, create a 2012 Chevrolet. No fiberglass bumpers on this beauty. It would use the same material as found on the duplicated original but brakes, tires and other non cosmetic features would be replaced with modern technology. The interior would be the same, but there would be 21st century updates like air conditioning, AM FM satellite radio, heated seats, etc. My first vintage auto would be a 1930's Pierce Arrow. Dream on, Glover!.

Oops! We have a fender bender here dating back to the year 1941. I tried to find the newspaper account of the accident but was unsuccessful. The photo comes from the Hamilton Township Police Department History files and shows the mangled fender and other front end damage on Prior's Diamond T delivery truck. The ad above is from my "BUSINESSES-TRENTON" folder in the Hamilton Library Local History Collection.

Ron Bound
said...

I think I passed it by on the way to Jr 4, with my tongue hanging out. :) 5 cent pies. Wow. Thanks Tom.

Tom, was there a soda bottling plant on that corner? I seem to remember
riding bike down there, and pressing nose to window, when about 10 yrs
old, later 40s, until someone felt sorry for us in the 100 degree heat
and would offer us a COLD bottle of COKE I think. Thanks for the great
memories.

Prior's was truly a great bakery, back in the 1940s and 50's. There were
two especially delicious donuts, that were a specialty. Cream sticks,
and the glazed potato donuts. I think they were 60 cents a dozen. We
would buy a quart of milk and a dozen donuts and knock them off right
there on Liberty St. For what it's worth, the best Jewish rye bread, I
can remember ever buying, was from a garage behind a store, at the
corner of Lamberton, and Lexington Sts. After a Saturday night out, we
would pick up the New York Times, just as it was delivered, a little
past midnight, at the news stand on Market and Broad, pick up fresh hot
rye bread, right out of the ovens, go home and put on a pot of coffee.
There were two bakers, and it was hot as could be in the building. There
were racks of bread and rolls and a wonderful smell of fresh bread. I
can still remember it vividly. rayfromvillapark

The bakery you refer too, was "Kramer's bakery. They had
relocated to Lexington St. between John Fitch Way, and Lamberton St.
from thier original bakery on Union St. Kramer's was famous for it's
bagels, and with the expansion of John Fitch Way, they relocated again
to Hudson St. between Greenwood, and Hamilton.When things really
deteriorated in Trenton, and George retired, his son Paul the local
politician took the bakery to the Shop Rite Shoping center on Nottingham
way near Klockner.Saturday night at Kramer's on Lexington St. was like a reuion.Ii
would pick up the NY Mirror from Mousy the newsie in front of the
Railroad Station. Could not afford the NY Times, and bagels too.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

There are many on the above page who are no longer in business. Carlo Benedetti's Olden Pharmacy is a survivor. Any others there who are still in business? 43 years ago; reminds me of that song; "time in a bottle."

mments:

Lee Belardino
said...

TommyI worked part time for Popkins shoes when I was 14. Nate Pokin
was located on Hudson street next door to Mazzili,s grocery stoe. Worked
6-9 on weekdays and 12 to 9 on Saturdays. Rode my bike from Hamilton
to the "burg" every day,rain or shine. No wonder I was a 97 pound
waeklingbut I met a lot of pretty girls there.Lee

When I was a kid I was into cars and couldn't afford a mechanic. We
changed our own clutches, camshafts, and did everythign short of actual
engine and transmission builds. Andy's was our prime sourcc of parts
mainly becuase they would sell to us at the same price that a garage
would get.

THe first Andy's shop was along John Fitch Way, just
past the Penssy Railroad bridge. And then came Urban Renewal and the new
Fitch Way project.

Andy's had to move, so with city approval,
they relocated to the new building shown which was located downriver,
across from what was American Bridge. THe new shop was wonderful, but
I'll bet it lasted for less than ten years before the city wanted to run
a new stretch of highway right through the new building.

Andy's
never rebuilt. They were a prime example of how poor planning cuased the
demise of so many small businesses, just so state workers could get out
of town to the suburbs.

Well Tom, though not quite related but one of those ads jogged my memory, the one for Fritz's auto repair.

It
made me think of the first BMW dealership in the area that was Fritz's
BMW and was stuffed into a little hole in the wall shop by State and
Olden next to the Mechanics National Bank. With all of our auto
chatter, that is one that always gets missed.

Ed Millerick

SJ or Mike, I'll gladly accept correction on that location, though it was pretty close wasn't it?

Fritz's was out on E. State - I'm niot sure but I think it
was close to where Frey's Bakery was located (best rye bread in Trenton
if not the planet!).

Fritz was a great guy, but I couldn't afford
a new BMW even when prices were relatively cheap. He almost sold me a
BMW 1600 with a transplanted 2002tii engine back in 1968 when I left the
Navy. I have been kicking myself ever since for not doing so. Instead, I
bought a new Camaro from Patterson Chevy in Hamilton Square.

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About Me

I am the Hamilton Township Historian at the Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection. I served in "G-2;" the U.S. Army Security Agency(ASA) with a "Top Secret Codeword" ("Crypto")military clearance. I have been married 60 years in April of 2014 to Judy Britton, my class of 1951 Hamilton High school sweetheart. We have 3 children and 9 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. I have been a member of the amateur radio community since 1975 with the call sign WA2RVU. If the good Lord wills it, I will be logging local history when I reach the golden age of 100!